Volunteer groups offer tribute, fellowship and comfort to military families during the holidays.

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Pictures of service members, past and present, are the
decorations on the community Christmas tree in Veterans
Historical Plaza
in downtown Newhall.

The Christmas Tree in Veterans Plaza

The tree, which is lit with red, white and blue lights is
covered with gold and blue stars and white angels, each laminated with a
picture of a service member. The pictures span generations; recognizing the
service from both World Wars, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam war, the Gulf
war and the current wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan.

Friends and families of veterans came to the tree lighting

Gold stars honor those lost in battle; white angels honor
those who served but have passed away and blue stars commemorate living service
members.

A new addition to the tree are ornaments decorated with
stripes and stars honoring Revolutionary War soldiers whose roots come back to
the Santa Clarita Valley. The ornaments were created by members of the
Daughters of the American Revolution.

Ornaments are dedicated to service members from all ages

The park filled with family and friends of the veterans
Saturday night for the tree lighting, which was done as the crowd sang “I’ll Be
Home For Christmas” – a song made popular during World War II that remains the
most requested song on military radio stations.

After the lighting, the tree was swarmed by people looking
for their veteran – some of them shining flashlights high into the branches.

“It’s a little easier during the day,” said a member of
Prayer Angels for the Military, who helped organize the event along with two
local Blue Star Mothers groups and the city of Santa Clarita.

Valencia High choir members sing during the ceremonies

The tree will remain lighted through the month of December. Historical
Veterans Plaza
is located on Newhall Avenue
at Market Street.

People look for their family and friends on the ornaments